We are in support of the proposed amendments in the above report for Chinatown.

We also encourage you to add the amendments requested by the community to:

1. Limit outright development lot widths to 25ft or existing lot size; and
2. Make dwelling use conditional to encourage social housing development and retention of existing affordable housing and commercial spaces.

These proposed amendments are the first step in reversing the harm done to Chinatown through the 2011 Heritage Area Height Review (HAHR) policies. Neighbourhoods and individuals from across the city were strongly opposed to these changes in 2011. They have proven to be very destructive to the important historic area’s architecture, culture and affordability for both residential and commercial businesses.

It is urgent that Council take action now to reverse the damage from the HAHR and the recommendations above are a good first step.

Sincerely,
Larry Benge, Co-Chair
Dorothy Barkley, Co-Chair

On behalf of the Coalition of Vancouver Neighbourhoods
Member Groups of the Coalition of Vancouver Neighbourhoods